Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have your uPVC window or door mechanism become faulty? Perhaps the door or window handles aren't able to connect properly or are hard to use.
It's important that your double-glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock at an affordable cost.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key is snapped into a lock. It could also be a security problem because it could expose you to burglars if your door is not locked. There are a couple of quick fixes you can make to repair the issue and get your door working again.
Be calm. If you panic, you could end up pushing the damaged key further into the lock.
Then spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece to slide out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break up any pieces stuck. If you happen to have a bit of the key left sticking out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other metal object with a thin surface to grab it and then pull it out. Both of these methods work, but be cautious not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades are also well for this. If you don't have any of them handy, you can make use of needle-nose pliers to bend them and create hooks. Finally, a pair of tweezers can be used to grip and remove the remaining bit of the broken key.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, try using a lock de-icer. This is usually found in most hardware stores. It works by freezing any moisture or ice that might be inside the lock.
If none of these strategies are working you, it's time to call in locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly fix problems such as broken handles or snapped keys using uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also alter your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request repairs to your double-glazing online or contact us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A broken cylinder can pose a serious security risk. It's fortunately a simple repair for professional locksmiths to complete. To fix the cylinder a locksmith will need to tap it. They can do this using a hammer or other tool, but the best way is to employ a long match or piece of wire. Place the match or wire end near the keyway. After that, the locksmith can strike the lock and break it open. This is far better than using a heavy hammer that can damage the lock.
Overheating is the primary reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block as well as the cylinder head are made from different metals, including cast iron and aluminium. When the different metals are heated and cool at different rates, it may create hotspots in the local area that expand faster than the rest of the cylinder head, thus leading to cracks.
Corrosion is another possible cause of cylinder fractures. If the cylinder head as well as cylinder block are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust that could cause them to expand at a a higher rate than they should. As time passes, this may cause cracks.
If your uPVC door or window lock is stiff or requires a lot of pressure to turn, it can be the result of a number of things. A defective locking mechanism, misalignment or an old handle are the most common reasons for this issue.
This is a straightforward and cost-effective fix that a majority of double glazing owners can do. A professional locksmith will typically be able to solve the issue within an hour of arriving at your home. Based on your requirements they can change the locking mechanism, replace the window handles, or change the gearboxes. A professional locksmith will be able to inform you of the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can also suggest upgrades to the highest-security 3 Star TS007 euro cylinders that will provide an extra layer of protection against burglars. It's a small price to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that wear out with age and usage, so it's no surprise that they sometimes break. double glazing window repairs isn't always easy to pinpoint the reason behind a broken window handle lock and fix it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, regardless of whether it's the internal locking mechanism or latch, will improve the security of your uPVC door and stop draughts. Incorrectly repairing or replacing your handle can be expensive and could harm the door's frame as well as lock and frame, so it's worth spending the time to do it correctly.
With the window in the open position then loosen the screw holding the handle with a screwdriver. This should be located on the inside of the back plate, normally concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. You should not be able to replace any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. It is best to keep them in the same place so you can replace them if needed.
Then, rotate the handle to make it 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw on the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle using a second screwdriver. Once the screw is loose, remove the handle and take out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, ensuring it's the same size as the old one (you can usually find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this could harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Close the handle and try it. It should function smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to check your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they're not closing properly, you may experience draughts or damp in your home. It could also affect the energy efficiency of your home. A local window company, like Core Sash Windows, will be capable of adjusting the hinges on your window frames to ensure they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is particularly typical in uPVC tilt and turn windows. These windows require a handle to operate an electronic locking mechanism within the window frame. The handle is attached to a rod in the centre that triggers a set of cams that look like mushrooms, they secure the frame of the window. If the dead latch mechanism is not able to open when the handle is turned it is possible that the spindle has broken and this could be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. They will be able to take apart the window handle using a tool to remove the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done with no damage to the handle or window frame.
Once the wheel has been removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what has caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle, and then examining each component, noting any wear or damage. This process is typically performed in a clean, well-lit room by skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help remove any debris or dirt that might be preventing it from operating normally. After that the spindle is cleaned, it could be repaired or replaced. If the technician is replacing the spindle the dowel can be used that is similar in size to the original. He will then make holes in the same way into both pieces. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the damaged spindle is beyond repair, it could be necessary to replace it entirely
